The Department of State divides its roles and responsibilities in Mexico among 10 consular districts spread across Mexico. The Consular District for the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana is comprised of the states of Baja California and Baja California Sur. The majority of U.S. corporations in Baja California can be found in Tijuana and Mexicali with the bulk of the remaining U.S. commercial and tourist interests found in/around Ensenada and Rosarito. In Baja California Sur, the majority of U.S. interests are concentrated in Los Cabos and La Paz. Tijuana is the largest city in Baja California and is connected to greater San Diego, California, by the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the busiest land border crossing in the world. The proximity to a major U.S. city with a massive border crossing places, Tijuana in an important and lucrative location for Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), narco-traffickers, and human smuggling organizations.
For information regarding the security environment in other areas of Mexico, please reference the OSAC Crime and Safety Reports from the following Consular Districts: Ciudad Juarez, Nogales, Hermosillo, Mexican Federal District, Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Merida.

Crime Rating: Critical

Crime Threats

As a result of its highly strategic location, violent crime continues to be a part of everyday life. Organized crime occurs on virtually a daily basis by DTOs. While U.S. citizens not involved in criminal activities are generally not targeted, innocent bystanders are at risk from the violence in the streets of border cities and nearby towns. Criminals normally operate in pairs or small groups, and they generally carry a knife or handgun. Criminals select victims based on an appearance of vulnerability, prosperity, or inattentiveness. Within the Consulate community, Mexican employees fall victim to crime far more frequently than do their American employee colleagues. However, U.S. Consulate staff members are not immune to the effects of local violence, as crimes have occurred within close proximity to Consulate residences.

Tijuana is a very large metropolitan city with an ever-present, very real crime problem. Pickpockets and purse snatchers are common and mostly occur in large crowds, on public transportation, and at tourist attractions. The numbers of armed assaults and robberies have increased dramatically. Credit/debit card fraud and telephone card fraud is common.

On December 24, 2014, the U.S. Department of State updated its Travel Warning for all of Mexico, including Baja California and Baja California Sur. An increase in homicides in Baja California Sur, specifically in/around La Paz, resulted in the Warning to include the following language for Baja California Sur: “Exercise caution in the state capital of La Paz. According to the Department of Interior of Mexico, in 2013 Baja California Sur registered its highest homicide rate since 1997. Many of these homicides occurred in La Paz, where there has been an increase in organized crime-related violence.” Recently published statistics from the Department of Interior of Mexico show 2014 homicide rates for the state even higher than those of 2013, further supporting the warning to exercise caution. After a couple years of a decreasing number of homicides, Tijuana experienced a 48 percent increase in homicides in 2013 as compared to 2012 (2013: 492 vs. 2012: 332). 2013 ranked as the highest number of homicides in Tijuana since 2010. In 2014, Tijuana saw a six percent drop in homicides compared to 2013 (2014: 462 vs. 2013: 492); however, increases in other violent crime categories are of concern.

Though the majority of both states remain primarily under the control of the Sinaloa Cartel from an organized crime perspective, police have arrested members from every cartel in Mexico throughout Baja California and Baja California Sur. Reasons for this are varied but primarily revolve around the potential illicit money to be made in this key corridor. Many other TCOs will send “scouts” from their organizations to assess the area. There are many others who try to set up independent trade routes. There is also an increasing problem with criminal deportees from the U.S. to Tijuana, and due to a lack of options, they begin working with the local criminal organizations. As law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border succeed in arresting high level members of TCOs, unrest and power plays among the lower ranks tend to ensue. It is also believed to be part of the Sinaloa business model to not allow any of its operators to get too powerful. Thus, they are set up in small cells and often have skirmishes among themselves, although they all report back to the same parent organization. Unlike 2007-2010 when there was a “narco war” between the incumbent TCO, the Arellano Felix Organization (aka AFO, Tijuana Cartel) and the Sinaloa Cartel, crime now is between smaller cells within the Sinaloa Cartel as well as independent operators. Homicides have been low profile, as high publicity killings would not be advantageous for the Sinaloa Cartel to maximize profits.

Crime and homicide rates remained largely unchanged in Ensenada and Mexicali. In 2013, both Rosarito and Tecate, two smaller cities bordering on Tijuana, saw substantial increases in violent crimes compared to 2012. In 2014, both those cities experienced reductions in violent crime; however, violent crime rates still remained higher than in 2012.

Criminal assaults also occur on highways throughout Mexico.

Areas of Concern

Organized crime elements are present in local bars, nightclubs and the casinos in Tijuana. Due to the presence of criminal activity, people should use extreme caution after dark in old Zona Centro near “Avenida Revolución, Zona Centro.” For about eight blocks, Avenida Revolucion is lined with shops, bars, and restaurants, many aimed at day-trip tourists. Visitors should be careful (or aware) in walking too far north on Constitucion Avenue, one block west of Revolucion, and going below Juarez (Segunda), as it will abruptly lead you into the “red light” district.

Visitors should exercise extreme caution when visiting Playas de Tijuana after dark, as there is an increased criminal element. Visitors are strongly encouraged to avoid the roads to the coastal towns (Playas de Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada) after dark.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Travelers should exercise caution at all times, avoid traveling at night, and may wish to use toll (“cuota”) roads rather than the less secure, “free” (“libre”) roads whenever possible. Keep your car doors locked and your windows up while driving in town. When in heavy traffic or when stopped in traffic, leave enough room between vehicles to maneuver and escape if necessary.

Prior to road travel, ensure that your vehicle is in good operating condition, paying particular attention to the engine, tires, brakes, head/tail lights, spare tire and jack, horn, and fluid levels. The following is advice on protecting your vehicle: The head/tail lights are held in place by easily accessible screws. Install grills around the lights or tap out the heads of the screws holding the lights in place. If your tire is mounted outside, secure it with chain/padlock or similar device. If this is not possible, keep it at home, reinstalling it only for extended trips outside the city. Theft of the vehicle’s operating computer and sound systems are common. The installation of a car alarm is strongly recommended. Also, if you purchase a car radio, look for models that can be removed locked away. Keep your vehicle sterile, storing anything that would entice a thief out of plain view. Replace one lug nut on each wheel with a specially-keyed bolt that locks or can only be removed with a special attachment to the tire iron. Secure emblems with rivets. Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street. Park inside a residential compound, in a parking lot with an attendant, or at least within view of the location of your visit. If this is not possible, take a taxi. When parking within a shopping facility lot, be sure to park as close as possible to the store entrance but away from dumpsters, bushes, or large vehicles. Be sure to lock your doors, close windows, and hide purchases in the trunk, out of sight.

In case of a traffic accident, do not move the vehicle, assuming the traffic scene is safe and clear. Call your Mexican car insurance provider. An adjustor will come to the scene. Do not admit guilt or come to any agreements with other drivers. Obtain the other driver’s information (name, contact information, license plate etc.).

Terrorism is a worldwide concern. While there do not appear to be any Middle Eastern terrorist groups active in Baja California, lax immigration controls, the ease in which fake Mexican travel documents can be obtained and Mexico's geographic location make the country an attractive transit point for potential transnational terrorists.

Terrorism Rating: Low

Anti-American/Anti-Western Sentiment

Northern Mexico is not anti-American but rather well-integrated with the U.S. by family and commercial ties. Anti-American sentiment is seldom expressed toward U.S. citizens, either official or non-official. American interests are generally not targets of political violence. Small, peaceful demonstrations in protest of various U.S. policies occur rarely at the U.S. Consulate General.

Civil Unrest

Other public protests and demonstrations do occur within the city for various economic and political reasons, but they are typically peaceful.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

There were no major earthquakes in Baja California or Baja California Sur in 2014, but on April 4, 2010, a 7.2 earthquake struck with its epicenter 37 miles southeast of Mexicali, which suffered the most damage of any city in Baja California. The earthquake resulted in two deaths, serious infrastructural damage, and a suspension of public services in Mexicali. Although some buildings experienced structural damage, no casualties were reported in Tijuana (110 miles from epicenter). Due to Tijuana’s proximity to the San Andreas Fault Line, the possibility of another large earthquake remains high.

In September 2014, Baja California Sur was struck by Hurricane Odile, the most intense landfalling tropical cyclone to hit the peninsula during the satellite era. Odile, a Category 3 hurricane, roared into Baja California Sur on September 14 with winds up to 125 mph and six hours of torrential rain, leaving 92 percent of the population without electricity or water. As a result, an estimated 10,000 U.S. citizens were evacuated from the impacted areas. It is recommended that travelers stay current with weather conditions when traveling to Baja California Sur, especially during May-November, and plan accordingly.

Drug-related Crimes

Mexico is the primary route for the transport of illegal drugs into the U.S, and Tijuana is the gateway to southern California. The trafficking of narcotics is a very lucrative business. Mexico is well-known for its illegal drug trade and the violence and corruption the industry fosters. Drug-related violence in U.S. Consulate General Tijuana’s consular district, for the most part, is confined to those involved in the drug trade. Mexican security forces and police have not been effective in maintaining security in several cities in the district, as many officials have been corrupted and are working for the cartels as enforcers, bodyguards, and mules. Apparently narcotics-related “hits” have occurred in public restaurants where tourists might be found and at times they might be present. The Sinaloa Cartel has been linked to trafficking narcotics on a much wider international scale, to include parts of Asia.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnapping, including the kidnapping of non-Mexicans, occurs. Kidnapping-for-ransom is an established criminal activity. Unofficial estimates of kidnapping levels vary wildly, from 600 to 5,000 per year countrywide. In most cases, the ransom is paid, and the victim is set free. The usual victim practice is not to notify police authorities, as the popular belief is that the police may be involved or are unable to resolve the situation. Affluent residents in Tijuana often have bodyguards and armored vehicles for their families to protect them against kidnapping.

So-called "express kidnappings," attempts to get quick cash in exchange for the release of an individual, have occurred in almost all the large cities in Mexico and appear to target the middle-class and the wealthy. Express kidnappings are a common type of abduction and are based on the 24-hour withdrawal limit placed on ATM cards industry-wide. The victim is generally held for 24-48 hours and is forced to withdraw funds from a series of ATMs. Official Americans have suffered this type of crime, but anecdotally many Mexican employees of the Consulate either have been victimized themselves or personally know a victim.

Another kidnapping tactic is the telephonic kidnapping (virtual kidnapping). Although the calls vary in style, the methodology is invariably the same: the virtual kidnapping call includes a crying/pleading voice immediately after the call is answered and before the "kidnapper" gets on the phone. In this manner, the criminals hope to confuse the victim and get him/her to give away important information. For example, if the crying voice sounds like a child in any way, and you call out your child’s name, the caller then knows the name of a child who could be a kidnap victim, and they will use this knowledge against you. The voice of the "victim" will usually be crying and/or hysterical. This makes it difficult to identify and increase the likelihood that you will believe that it is your loved one. Criminals will try to use fear, tact, and timing against possible victims. For example, they plan their calls to coincide with times when it will be difficult to contact the child or another adult immediately (e.g. when child is on their way to/from school). All calls demand money for the release of the loved one and stipulate no police involvement. Often times, the callers will give statements to suggest surveillance such as: "we saw you at the school with your camioneta (SUV)." This is very vague but implies they have been watching your family and uses fear and everyday routines against you to reinforce the threat of the kidnapping. One of the most important things for one to be aware of are the details of your family’s travel and location (where are they supposed to be, who are they supposed to be with, etc.). In addition, it is equally important that one ensures good communication (land-line and cell phone numbers) with family members.

It is increasingly common for extortionists to call prospective victims on the telephone, often posing as law enforcement or other officials, and demand payments in return for the release of an arrested family member or supposedly to forestall a kidnapping. Prison inmates using smuggled cellular phones often place these calls. Persons receiving such calls should be wary, as many such demands or threats are baseless, and should attempt to contact the family member as soon as possible. If you cannot reach the missing individual, and believe s/he may have run afoul of criminals or of the law, you may contact the Consulate, the Embassy, or the Department of State for assistance.

Police Response

The ability of police vary from city to city, but there have been many strides made in recent years, especially in Tijuana. Police response and confidence is improving in Tijuana although police corruption still exists. The Tijuana Police have expressed a desire to gain the trust of the populace and are pursuing outreach activities. The general perception was that the majority of crime victims do not report crimes due to fear of reprisals by the police, the belief that police are corrupt, or the feeling that nothing would come from such reports. This is slowly changing. Reporting crime is an archaic, exhausting process and is widely believed to be a waste of time except for the most serious of crimes or where a police report is required for insurance purposes. Many records of crimes are not even kept by the police, the Rosarito Police Department is especially known to do this, as police departments have a desire to keep their crime statistics down for political and other self-serving reasons.

You can minimize your vulnerability by obeying Mexican law. As in the United States, you can be arrested in Mexico for: Public drunkenness; Drunken/reckless driving; Public urination or indecent exposure; Fighting; Lewd/lascivious conduct; Possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana (including medical marijuana); and Possession of weapons (including pocket knives).

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

The U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana receives some reports of extortion by supposed police officers in Baja California. Sometimes the perpetrators are actual police officers, and sometimes they are criminals using fake police uniforms and credentials. If you are the victim of police extortion, please contact the U.S. Consulate. To file a complaint, it is helpful, but not absolutely necessary, to have the officer’s name, badge number, and patrol car number. If you were not able to obtain those, it may still be possible to identify the officer based on physical appearance and the time/place that the event occurred. If you file a complaint, Consulate staff will assist you in every step of the process.

If you are stopped by a police officer, be aware that they cannot accept cash payments for fines and that offering a bribe to an officer is a serious crime. In addition, tourists should be wary of persons representing themselves as police officers or other officials. When in doubt, ask for identification.

U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with the police if stopped or questioned.

Crime Victim Assistance

Travelers may contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Consulate General Tijuana for assistance in dealing with the local police. If involved in a traffic accident or victimized by crime, one may be required to accompany the investigating officer to the local police station to file a complaint or respond to questions. Should a police report be required for an insurance claim, a nominal fee will be charged. The police emergency telephone number is 066, though whether they arrive at all is questionable.

Callers can report criminal activity from anywhere in Mexico or U.S. Interested parties can call 1-866-201-5060 24/7/365 to report any crime-related information to bilingual operators who will forward the report to the proper authorities for action. This hotline was set up by the Baja California Secretary of Public Safety so that anyone wishing to report criminal activity in Mexico can do so anonymously from anywhere in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. A similar tip line “089” has been available since 2005 in Mexico to make an anonymous tip and enjoys a sizable call volume.

Medical Emergencies

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of States Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://www.travel.state.gov

Emergency Services-066
Red Cross (Cruz Roja) Ambulance-608-6700

Contact Information for Recommended Hospitals/Clinics

Contact information for some medical facilities in Tijuana are listed below (this listing is not all inclusive):

For international treatment and medical insurance: International SOS, LA Office, 310-893-5280

CDC Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

CDC International Traveler's hotline - 24 hour info available at 888-232-6348 or 800-232-4636 or please see the latest information on the CDC’s website at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/mexico.htm.

Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Scams

Be aware of popular scams and robbery tactics used to distract your attention. Avoid con games by being aware of street-side requests for donations to charity.

Situational Awareness Best Practices

Personnel are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and remove themselves from locations that present security concerns. We suggest that you follow the same security measures you would in any large metropolitan city. Crime is a 24-hour concern but darkness and late night travel increases your chances of being a victim of crime. U.S. citizens are urged to be especially aware of safety and security concerns when visiting the border region, and to exercise common sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas and only during daylight hours.

Visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times, even in areas generally considered safe. Maintain a low profile. Do not advertise the fact that you are American. Dress casually, keep valuables out of sight, and do not draw attention to yourself with your actions. Avoid wearing jewelry and carry a clutch purse or a neck purse instead of a shoulder bag. Carry a wallet in the front trouser pocket or front jacket pocket. Minimize valuables and do not carry large sums of money while in crowded, urban areas. Never leave shopping bags or merchandise unattended. Avoid sitting outside at restaurants; instead, try to find a seat in an area not clearly visible from the street.

When walking, always travel in illuminated areas with at least one other person. Having a travel companion is encouraged. Do not travel in unfamiliar areas of the city, particularly after dark. Women traveling alone are especially vulnerable and should exercise caution, particularly at night. Victims, often those who are unaccompanied, have been raped, robbed of personal property, or abducted and then held while their credit cards were used at various businesses and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).

Vary your routine. Be unpredictable in your movements; vary your routes from home to the office as well as your departure/arrival times. Be alert to possible surveillance. Note any individual who appears out of place along your routes to regularly scheduled activities, such as going from home to office.

U.S. citizens should be very cautious in general when using ATMs in Mexico. If an ATM must be used, it should be accessed only during the business hours at large protected facilities (preferably inside commercial establishments, rather than at glass-enclosed, highly visible ATMs on streets). When at an ATM, cover the key pad when entering your PIN. Protect your PIN. Some people make it easy for criminals by writing the PIN to their credit/debit card on something that they keep in their wallet, or even worse, writing it on back of the card itself. Commit the PIN to memory. Prior to inserting your card, check the card reader to make sure that it looks appropriate and is not altered. U.S. and Mexican citizens are sometimes accosted on the street and forced to withdraw money from their accounts using their ATM cards.

If possible, pay with cash and only use your credit card with reputable merchants. Never let someone take your credit credit card out of sight during payment. Keeping a low limit on your credit cards restricts the amount of money that thieves can steal. Although not exactly a prevention tactic, it will help if you fall victim. Sign all credit cards immediately upon your receipt of them. You can also write "Check ID" so that the clerk, if they read the back, will ask for ID for verification during a transaction. It is important to cancel all credit cards that you do not use and to monitor the ones that you do use. The first step to prevent skimming is to understand what is going on around you. Do not leave receipts at ATMs, teller windows, gasoline pumps, or with a clerk.

Be very careful any time you use your telephone card. If possible make telephone card phone calls from your hotel room. Keep an eye out for anyone who may be observing your card or your fingers as you dial your code. Avoid giving the number to local operators.

Be cautious if asked for an “Expediter” fee, cons include persons who offer their services to facilitate your business and personal dealings for a fee.

For additional information, travelers should refer to the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Mexico and the latest Travel Warning for Mexico, and the publication Help for American Victims of Crime Overseas.

OSAC Country Council Information

The RSO section organizes and participates in regular OSAC Country Council meetings in Tijuana, southern California, and in Baja California Sur. If interested in participating, please contact RSO Maurilio Rojano-Garcia at 52-664-977-2102. To reach OSAC’s Western Hemisphere team, please email OSACWHA@state.gov.

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